Plant and Soil最新文献

{"title":"Physical rather than chemical protection determines soil organic carbon accumulation in a subtropical Chinese fir plantation treated by litter manipulation","authors":"Qiao Liu, Xiangjiang Liu, Zhigao Liao, Shengnan Wang, Junjie Huang, Yiqi Luo, Lifen Jiang, Geoff G. Wang, Huiming Wang, Fu-Sheng Chen","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07219-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07219-7","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aim</h3><p>Soil organic carbon (SOC) is crucial for soil fertility and combating climate change, which may be regulated by aboveground litter input. However, how SOC accumulation responds to litter manipulation remains unclear.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>In this study, we conducted a 7-year litter manipulation experiment, including litter addition, litter removal, and control treatments. We used an elemental analyzer, along with measurements of bulk density, to estimate SOC stock, the wet-sieving method to analyze soil aggregate distribution, amino sugar content to calculate microbial necromass carbon (C) in aggregates, and a Fourier transform midinfrared spectrometer (FIRT) to determine the SOC chemical functional groups along a 60 cm profile in a Chinese fir (<i>Cunninghamia lanceolata</i>) plantation.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>We found that litter addition significantly increased SOC stock by 44.59% in the 0–10 cm layer, while litter removal had no effect on SOC stock. Litter addition increased the proportion of macroaggregates (&gt; 2 mm) and the geometric mean diameter (GMD). Moreover, litter addition increased the bacterial necromass C in macroaggregates, which was positively correlated with SOC. SOC stock in topsoil was explained by GMD and fractal dimension, which might increase the protection for bacterial necromass C. However, litter addition decreased the chemical stability of SOC.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>Long-term C input increased topsoil SOC accumulation by strengthening the physical protection of aggregates rather than by the chemical protection of SOC functional groups in this Chinese fir plantation, particularly through the accumulation of bacterial necromass C in macroaggregates.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142989839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing yields and climate resilience through conservation agriculture: multi-year regional on-farm trials in Zambia","authors":"Mirriam Phiri, Vegard Martinsen, Gibson Simusokwe, Andreas Botnen Smebye, Alfred Obia, Victor Shitumbanuma, Jeremy Selby, Gerard Cornelissen, Clifton Makate, Jan Mulder","doi":"10.1007/s11104-024-07191-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-07191-8","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>Conservation agriculture (CA) has gained traction as a climate-smart management strategy to enhance food security and maintain soil quality. However, nearly all investigations are based on controlled experimental studies with few long-term on-farm trials. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of CA on maize yield and soil fertility at smallholder farms in Zambia (2016–2021).</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>About 100 on-farm trials were established. CA plots with maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) in annual rotation with soybean were compared pairwise with conventional plots, with maize monocropping, which were managed in accordance with local practices. Maize grain yield and soil pH, organic carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen were investigated.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Maize grain yield was significantly higher in CA (+ 24% to + 39%) compared to conventional management, due to early sowing and more effective use of precipitation. However, after 5 years, there was no significant difference in soil fertility between CA and conventional agriculture.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>CA provides a viable option for climate change adaptation due to increased yields and drought resilience. The higher yield under CA provides an opportunity to enhance food security. However, our results do not support that CA enhances soil organic carbon, available phosphorus and nitrogen after 5 years of maize-soybean rotation.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142989770","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Opposing response of biogenic volatile organic compound and CO2 emissions to nitrogen addition during decomposition of two litter species","authors":"Yulin Zhu, Xuemei Liu, Xinyue Luo, Ting Wu, Xiong Fang, Zhigang Yi","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07215-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07215-x","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Aims</h3><p>Biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions from leaf litter play an important role in forest carbon (C) cycles. This study investigated the combined effects of nitrogen (N) addition and leaf litter species on BVOC emissions and the relative contribution of C emissions in the form of BVOCs to CO₂ emissions.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>An incubation experiment was conducted using two levels of N addition and two leaf litter species (<i>Schima superba</i> and <i>Cunninghamia lanceolata</i>). We measured BVOC and CO₂ emissions and litter chemical properties during litter decomposition.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Total BVOC-C emitted from two leaf litter species accounted for 0.19%–0.47% of CO₂-C emissions. N addition decreased the total BVOC emissions, but increased CO₂ emissions from the decomposition of both litter species. N addition increased total N and soluble sugar contents of leaf litter but reduced the starch content and C/N ratio. Following N addition, the fluxes of most BVOC types were positively correlated with starch and nonstructural carbohydrate contents of <i>S. superba</i> leaf litter and with the C/N ratio of <i>C. lanceolata</i> leaf litter. In addition, the total BVOC and CO₂ emissions from <i>S. superba</i> leaf litter were higher than those from <i>C. lanceolata</i>. Corresponding, <i>S. superba</i> leaf litter had higher N and soluble sugar contents but lower C/N ratio and starch content than <i>C. lanceolata</i> leaf litter.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>N addition inhibited BVOC emissions and promoted CO₂ emissions during leaf litter decomposition. Leaf litter with a high labile substrate content is likely to release more BVOCs during the early-stage of litter decomposition.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142989772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of litter and root inputs on soil microbial community structure in subtropical natural and plantation forests","authors":"Cuijuan Wang, Weisheng Lin, Shuxian Jia, Shidong Chen, Decheng Xiong, Chao Xu, Zhijie Yang, Xiaofei Liu, Yusheng Yang","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07218-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07218-8","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Aims</h3><p>Soil microorganisms play a pivotal role in forest ecosystems geochemical cycle, yet their responses to variations in aboveground and belowground carbon inputs remain insufficiently understood. Variations in plant-derived carbon inputs are expected to influence microbial community structures. This study aims to investigate how changes in these carbon inputs affect the composition and diversity of soil microbial communities across different forest ecosystems in the subtropics forest.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>Natural forest and plantation of <i>Castanopsis carlesii</i> in the subtropics were selected, with three 20 m × 20 m plots established in each forest. Six treatments were applied in a randomized complete block design, with aboveground litter excluded using nylon nets and root exclusion achieved by trenching. Soil microbial community structure under each treatment was analyzed using high-throughput amplicon sequencing.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Litter and root treatments significantly altered microbial community composition and diversity. Bacterial communities, dominated by Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, showed no significant structural changes in response to treatments but were influenced by forest type. In contrast, fungal communities, dominated by Basidiomycota and Ascomycota, exhibited reduced diversity under root exclusion and litter treatments in natural forests. Soil properties such as moisture, temperature, DOC, and DON were key drivers of microbial community structure and diversity.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>These results underscore the role of ecological niche differences between forest forests and alterations in soil chemical properties induced by litter and root inputs in shaping soil microbial communities. These findings offer insights into the mechanisms governing nutrient cycling and soil carbon dynamics in subtropical forest ecosystems.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"101 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142989521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Root architectural plasticity optimizes nutrient acquisition in switchgrass under variable phosphorus forms","authors":"Eduardo A. Dias de Oliveira, Nicholas Glass, Kyungdahm Yun, Eduardo Habermann, Roser Matamala, Alina Zare, Soo-Hyung Kim, Miquel Gonzalez-Meler","doi":"10.1007/s11104-024-07178-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-07178-5","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Aims</h3><p>Understanding the influence of different forms of phosphorus (P) over the different root traits and how those traits are related to increasing the efficiency of nutrient acquisition strategies.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>Investigation of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) root morphology responses to inorganic P (Pi) soluble (Potassium-P), insoluble (Aluminum-P), and organic P (Po) (Inositol Hexa-Phosphate, IHex-P) in rhizoboxes. Roots were traced over the root box and scanned using WinRhizoTM. The CRootbox model was employed to simulate root growth.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Significant plasticity observed under IHex-P treatment, with a 46% increase in root branching, leading to a 74% rise in total root length and a 65% increase in root surface area compared to inorganic P forms. IHex-P resulted in a 73% higher root biomass than Aluminum-P and a 26% increase compared to Potassium-P. Most of the differences were attributed to the elongation of root branches.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusions</h3><p>The study emphasizes the dynamic nature of switchgrass root architecture and morphology in response to varying P forms in the soil. The absence of Pi in the soil triggered increased plasticity in root traits, facilitating root access to Po and uptake of P. These findings offer valuable insights into the adaptive mechanisms of perennial plants, with significant implications for optimizing nutrient acquisition strategies in both agricultural and natural ecosystems.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142988357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Arbuscular mycorrhizal density and propagation are driven by vegetation cover and plant phylogenetic diversity","authors":"Marta Pérez-Redondo, María del Carmen Jaizme-Vega, Águeda María Rodríguez-González, Alfredo Reyes-Betancort, Alicia Montesinos-Navarro","doi":"10.1007/s11104-024-07127-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-07127-2","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>Ecological restoration increasingly use mycorrhizal symbiosis to boost plant growth and stress resilience, with research focusing on optimizing inoculum propagation using trap plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate symbionts with a degree of specificity in their plant associations, potentially leading to co-adaptation processes. Consequently, properties of plant communities such as cover, diversity, and the presence of native species can influence AMF abundance in natural settings and controlled environments. Our study hypothesises that 1) AMF spore density increases in areas with high plant diversity and permanent vegetation cover; and 2) native AMF propagation thrives best in native and phylogenetically diverse plants consortia.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>In an arid and heterogeneous Mediterranean environment, we sampled seven representative microenvironments, conducted a floristic inventory and quantified AMF spores in soil. The AMF propagation capacity was assessed through a pot experiment under controlled conditions using different trap plant consortia (native/non-native, single/multi-family).</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>In natural sites, spore density varied significantly by microenvironment, from 1 (badlands) to 10 (vegetation islands) spores/g of soil. Vegetation cover, rather than plant diversity or richness, increased AMF spore density. Under controlled conditions, spore propagation was 1.28 and 1.19 times higher in native and phylogenetically diverse plant consortia respectively, compared to allochthonous and less diverse ones.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusions</h3><p>Our results support the importance of vegetation cover in conserving AMF abundance in arid environments. The research also highlights the efficiency of using native and diverse plant consortia to propagate AMF inoculum, contributing to optimize non-conventional ecological restoration techniques using nature-based solutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"27 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142988279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Host specificity of Cuscuta species: is it a cause or a consequence of the habitat preference?","authors":"Kornél Baráth, Attila Lengyel, János Csiky","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07210-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07210-2","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Aims</h3><p>The genus <i>Cuscuta</i> comprises nearly 200 parasitic plant species. Sympatric <i>Cuscuta</i> species are considered to occur in different habitat types. We investigated the reasons for the observed habitat preference addressing the following questions: Can host specificity explain the habitat preference? Can soil characteristics influence habitat preference?</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>We sampled 543 vegetation plots and collected 56 soil samples from the habitats of <i>C. europaea</i>, <i>C. campestris</i>, <i>C. epithymum</i>, <i>C. lupuliformis</i>, and <i>C. australis</i> in Hungary. The percent cover, maximum height, and parasitism status of each species were recorded in every plot. The species composition and soil parameters of the habitats were compared using multivariate data analysis.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Habitats of the examined parasites significantly differed from each other based on species number and composition, as well as vegetation cover and height. However, species compositions in the habitat of the same <i>Cuscuta</i> species also varied considerably in different localities. We also found that the host range of the same <i>Cuscuta</i> species differed greatly in different locations. None of the dodders had any essential host species without which they could not survive and develop. Additionally, the habitats of the examined <i>Cuscuta</i> species significantly differed from each other based on soil conditions.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>Host specificity alone does not explain the strong preference of these host generalist parasites for certain habitats. Rather, the complex system of biotic and abiotic factors, including the mineral composition of the soil, determines the habitats of dodders.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"205 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142987897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Boron fertilization in a boreal Norway spruce forest: long-lasting effects on growth and nutrition","authors":"Arttu Vartiainen, Vijay D. Bhatt, Pedro J. Aphalo, Timo Pukkala, Mikko Räisänen, Jouni Kilpeläinen, Henrik Heräjärvi, Antti Haapala, Tarja Lehto","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07201-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07201-3","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>Boron (B) deficiency is widespread in boreal forests, but it can be prevented by fertilization. As B deficiency reduces root growth, it may affect the uptake of other nutrients. We assessed the persistence of the effects of a one-time B application on growth and nutrition of Norway spruce (<i>Picea abies</i>).</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>A single-tree B-fertilization experiment was established in a highly productive stand in eastern Finland in 2000 and followed until 2018. The applied B dose was 2 kg ha⁻¹.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>After 19 growing seasons, height growth was higher in B-fertilized trees and the effect was not waning. Diameter growth was not affected. The mean needle-B concentration without B fertilizer was 1.7 mg kg⁻¹ and with B-fertilizer, 4.8 mg kg⁻¹. Boron-fertilized trees had higher foliar aluminium (Al), carbon (C), copper (Cu) and sulfur (S) concentrations, and lower soluble silicon (Si).</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusions</h3><p>The positive B effect on growth persisted after 19 years. Boron concentrations remained higher in fertilized trees, although lower than at the early stages of the experiment. Boron fertilization maintained Cu and S levels above deficiency limits. The small but consistent change in C indicates a change in needle compounds. Increased Al may result from reduced Si accumulation, as Al co-deposition with Si alleviates Al toxicity. Further studies are required to optimize B-fertilization practices and to elucidate the mechanisms behind the effects on height growth and the levels of other elements. A combination of soluble and sparingly soluble fertilizers could further increase the duration of the effect.\u0000</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142986323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cultivation constrains of Bambara groundnut in Sub-Saharan Africa: Impact of Rhizobial Inoculants","authors":"Maria Lovisa Dhiginina Amwenyo, Lydia N. Horn, Thomas Hurek, Barbara Reinhold-Hurek, Abhijit Sarkar","doi":"10.1007/s11104-024-07194-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-07194-5","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background</h3><p>The Sub-Saharan African food system is facing multiple threats, including soil nutrient depletion, monoculture cereal farming, population expansion, and climate change. These factors collectively pose a risk to agricultural productivity and food security in the region.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Scope</h3><p>Bambara groundnut (BGN) (Vigna subterranea [L.] Verdc) yield has been in decline due to various abiotic factors such as high temperature, drought, and salinity, as well as biotic factors like nitrogen-fixing symbiont host specificity. These challenges have negatively impacted crop productivity and food security. This review highlights the significance of BGN in addressing food insecurity and explores its potential advantages for small-scale farmers. BGN provides a good example for strong effects of the microbiome, particularly specific symbionts for nitrogen-fixing root nodules, on production systems. A focus of this review is to highlight the potential applications of nitrogen-fixing symbionts as biofertilizers for Bambara groundnut.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>The review emphasizes the potential of BGN to improve agricultural production and soil fertility, particularly using inoculation technology, which could benefit small-scale farmers and contribute to enhancing food security. <i>Bradyrhizobium</i> inoculants may have to be designed specifically for the cultivar level of BGN.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142986322","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Contrasting leaf nutrient-hydraulic relationships between karst and non-karst forests","authors":"Chun-Yan Wan, Jun-Rui Yu, Zhong-Guo Li, Yong-Qiang Wang, Shi-Dan Zhu","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07217-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07217-9","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>Karst landscapes, characterized by large limestone outcrops and shallow, thin soils, are extensively distributed in Southwest China. Tree species found in karst forests encounter frequent drought, phosphorus (P) deficiency, and excess calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). We aimed to elucidate leaf strategies for karst and non-karst forest species grown on different soil substrates.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>We selected a total of 100 typical tree species from karst and non-karst forests in tropical-subtropical China, and measured leaf hydraulic traits and nutrient concentrations. We compared differences in leaf traits between the two forest types using t-test and their differences in trait relationships using trait network analysis.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Karst tree species exhibited lower leaf turgor loss point (<i>π</i>_tlp) and midday leaf water potential, and narrower hydraulic safety margins than non-karst tree species. Furthermore, karst species had higher nitrogen, potassium, Ca, and Mg, but lower P levels than non-karst species; however, they showed similar Ca/Mg ratios. Trait network analysis revealed a higher degree of leaf traits relationships in karst species, with saturated water content, P, and <i>π</i>_tlp showing high connectivity with other traits. Particularly, karst species with higher leaf Ca, and lower P levels tended to have lower <i>π</i>_tlp and vulnerability to cavitation, indicating a co-variation between leaf nutrients and drought resistance under unique chemical and physical conditions of karst environment. However, these relationships were not observed in non-karst species, resulting in weak leaf trait relationships.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>This study suggests that strong associations between leaf nutrient and hydraulic traits in karst species promote their adaptation to soil water and nutrient stresses.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"77 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142986321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}